Falafel - Alhambra Palace

Ever since moving to Chicago I have seen falafel restaurants and heard raving reviews of this food I had never tried or heard of. Well last night my friends and I went salsa dancing at Alhambra Palace Restaurant and before we started dancing we ordered some food; and yep I ate my first falafel! 


About the Food:
Falafel is a fried ball or patty of spiced field beans or chickpeas, dating back to Biblical times and originating somewhere on the Indian subcontinent. Falafel is today eaten in India as well as in Pakistan and the Middle East and is traditionally served with a yoghurt sauce, as a sandwich in pita bread, or as an appetizer.


Food Review:
I give falafel a 4 out of 5 rating. 

When I heard that falafel was made from chick peas I was expecting some green ball of peas to come out. However when the waitress brought out the food I was very surprised at what I saw; and I was even happier when I took a bite. The crispy outer shell and the soft insides made a delicious treat and while I hate peas this did not taste at all like them. The flavor was a mixture of fried bread and just the right amount of spices (don't worry it's not hot spicy!). I would recommend them to even the pickiest of eaters!   

Restaurant Review:

I give Alhambra 3 out of 5 stars. 

The Good: The best part of the restaurant is the decor. The restaurant is not only decorated like a Moroccan palace but also architecturally modeled after one inside and out. 

As far as the food as stated before I obviously liked it! I did however only try an appetizer so I will have to try some more food to give it a better review. Another great thing about Alhambra, for you Four Square people, is that if you are the major of the place on Four Square (like I am) you get a free appetizer with each entrée purchase. 

The Bad: While it was not the worst service I had ever had it was not the best. Now this might be petty I am someone who believes that restaurants should never refuse people a glass of water. And while our waitress was overall pretty good, when we first asked for a glass of water she tried to sell us bottles of water for $4 (a little pricey is you ask me)!!! Then when a man sat down next to us, flirted with the waitress and asked for a glass of water she gladly gave him one for free... Well I wasn't just going to sit there thirsty and when we asked again for one, after a long lecture of how she is not supposed to give us water, blah blah blah, she finally caved and gave us water (success!). 

If you have ever been to Alhambra or know of a great place to get Falafel in the Chicago area please leave a comment below!